Moving from Hampton, VA to Alexandria, VA
The 177 mi from Hampton to Alexandria translate to about 3h 28m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
177 mi · 3h 28m by car · VA
Distance & route
| Route through | VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 64, I 95, I 395 |
| Major cities en route | Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Hampton | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 11.2% pricier overall in Alexandria than Hampton on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Alexandria typical home at $676,205 is 11.2% above Hampton at $275,341 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Hampton -0.3%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Hampton | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 30°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.8" | 41.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 59.8°F vs 59.3°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Alexandria sees 13.7 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LANGLEY AFB, VA US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Hampton | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,334 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $67,758 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.1% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.08 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 11.2% between Hampton and Alexandria (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Alexandria MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 384,770 | $101,420 |
| Management Occupations | 304,760 | $154,420 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 296,400 | $48,960 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 244,010 | $35,930 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 239,700 | $129,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Alexandria averages 13.7 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Hampton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $46,990 in the Hampton MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Hampton to Alexandria?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 177 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Hampton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 11.2% higher than Hampton (108.884 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Hampton, VA?
The driving distance is 177 mi and the route typically takes 3h 28m via I 64 and I 95. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Hampton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $275,341 in Hampton — a 145.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Hampton vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $67,758 in Hampton — a 67.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Hampton and Alexandria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 59.3°F in Alexandria vs 59.8°F in Hampton (0.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 13.7 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 41.8 in vs 47.8 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Hampton.
City profiles: Hampton, VA · Alexandria, VA.